Hundreds of cannabis plants uncovered in Luton

The discovery of more than 450 cannabis plants in a disused fish and chip shop in Luton Road.

Hundreds of cannabis plants have been uncovered in a disused fish and chip shop in Luton.

Kent Police discovered more than 450 plants, together with a hydroponics set-up for production, in the shop in Luton Road, last Thursday.

The plants, which were seized and destroyed, are believed to be worth about £180,000 for a single crop.

It follows the recovery of more than 800 plants, worth an estimated street value of £320,000 for one crop, at a disused social club in Stoke Road, Hoo, last month, which is thought to be one of the largest hauls of the drug in Kent.

The discovery of more than 800 cannabis plants found at a disused social club in Stoke Road in May.

Bryan Ward, drugs liaison officer for Kent Police, said: “Taking more than 1,250 cannabis plants off the streets in the space of two weeks represents a significant haul and will no doubt punch a hole in the distribution of the drug across Medway.

“However, we remain focused in our approach to ensure that whilst we are finding, monitoring and closing down these cannabis factories, bringing those responsible to justice remains of paramount importance.

“Cannabis is now a very powerful, mind-altering drug which is unregulated, unlike alcohol, so users have no idea of the content and therefore the potential risks they are taking.

“We are co-ordinating our existing tactics and multi-agency resources to target enforcement action against cannabis cultivation in Medway as we look to counter the damage it does to users and the wider impact it clearly has on communities.”

Three men have been arrested following the raids.

The discovery of more than 450 cannabis plants in a disused fish and chip shop in Luton Road.

Tran Xuan Ngoc, 38, of no fixed abode, was charged in connection with the production of a controlled drug of Class B, cannabis, in Luton Road. He is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on June 21.

A 37-year-old man and a 43-year-old man, both from Dartford, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and abstracting electricity from Stoke Road. Both have been bailed until August 5, pending further enquiries.